CostBuildrHow to Calculate Paint for a Bedroom
Painting is one of the most visible finishing tasks, and getting the quantity right avoids the common headaches of running out mid-wall or wasting money on excess gallons. This guide provides a practical bedroom paint calculation method with real numbers.
Calculating Paintable Area
For a standard 12×14 ft bedroom with 10 ft ceiling height: wall area = 2 × (12 + 14) × 10 = 520 sq ft. Deduct one door (3×7 = 21 sq ft) and two windows (4×4 = 32 sq ft) = 467 sq ft of wall. Ceiling area = 12 × 14 = 168 sq ft. Total paintable area = 635 sq ft.
If the room has built-in wardrobes covering one wall (14 × 8 = 112 sq ft), deduct that too. Always measure actual dimensions rather than using room names—a 'master bedroom' might be 14×16 ft while a 'small bedroom' is 10×12 ft.
Paint Coverage and Number of Coats
Standard interior emulsion paint covers 350–400 sq ft per gallon (4 liters) per coat on smooth plastered walls. For two coats (the standard): 635 sq ft ÷ 375 avg coverage × 2 coats = 3.4 gallons → buy 4 gallons (approximately 16 liters). A primer coat is recommended on new plaster, adding one more gallon for 635 sq ft.
Rough or absorbent surfaces reduce coverage by 15–25%. Deeply colored paints (reds, yellows) may need a third coat over a light base, increasing quantity by 50%. Budget about PKR 3,000–8,000 per gallon depending on the brand and finish (matte, satin, or gloss).
Cost Estimate and Pro Tips
For one bedroom (walls + ceiling, 2 coats + primer): approximately 5 gallons total → PKR 15,000–40,000 depending on paint quality. For a full 5 marla house interior (8–10 rooms and hallways), expect 30–45 gallons → PKR 90,000–360,000.
Use painter's tape for clean edges at ceiling-wall junctions and around trim. Start cutting in with a brush at corners and edges, then fill large areas with a roller for the smoothest finish. Paint walls before ceiling to avoid roller splash marks on already-painted surfaces.
よくある質問
How many gallons of paint for a 12×14 bedroom?
About 4 gallons (16 liters) for two coats on walls and ceiling. Add 1 gallon of primer if it's new plaster or a significant color change. Total: 5 gallons for complete coverage.
How many sq ft does 1 gallon of paint cover?
One gallon of standard interior emulsion covers 350–400 sq ft per coat on smooth plastered walls. Rough surfaces reduce this to 280–320 sq ft per coat.
Should I use primer before painting?
Yes, always use primer on new plaster, previously unpainted surfaces, or when making a dramatic color change (e.g., dark to light). Primer improves adhesion, blocks stains, and reduces the number of topcoats needed.